Veelgestelde vragen (FAQ)

The yield depends on the color and brightness of the solar panel. For our standard terracotta panel, the relative efficiency is approximately 81% compared to the black base panel. Because Soluxa uses the latest generation of AIKO panels, this translates to a high output of 380 Wp. For other colors, the efficiency can reach approximately 98% compared to the black base panel, reaching up to 470 Wp.

Soluxa's terracotta panels have an absolute efficiency of 19%. Black solar panels have an efficiency of approximately 23%.

The cost of an installed system with 10 colored solar panels is approximately 20% higher than that of a system with black panels.

Soluxa is an impact-driven company. We can offer special rates for large-scale projects at housing cooperatives and foundations. contact us for the possibilities.

The payback period for solar panels depends on many factors. After the abolition of net metering, most systems with black panels will pay for themselves within 9 to 14 years, see also the information from the Dutch Homeowners Association*. A colored panel will take about a year and a half longer. This is relatively short because the base price of the solar panels typically represents only about 16% of the total system costs of a solar panel installation. Therefore, the share of the solar panel costs is relatively small.
* https://www.eigenhuis.nl/nieuws/terugverdientijd-zonnepanelen-omhoog-bij-afschaffen-salderen.

The standard color Soluxa produces is terracotta/ orange. Other colors are available upon request.

With Soluxa's flexible Vibrant color technology, solar panels can be manufactured in any color. Non-standard colors can be produced upon request for an additional charge. Please note that light colors like white and pink will have lower efficiency.

The color stability of Soluxa solar panels is excellent. The Vibrant technology works based on interference and contains no organic pigments that discolor under the influence of sunlight. Their lifespan has been tested using various tests (PV1200, ISO6270-2, PV1503) and outdoor test setups, with no visible color changes observed after more than eight years. In addition, accelerated lifespan tests were conducted under extreme UV, humidity, and temperature conditions, representing a comparable load to 20 years of outdoor exposure in the Netherlands. No color change was observed in these tests either.

The colour of Soluxa terracotta solar panels is close to RAL 050 30 36.

Soluxa's Vibrant coating is specially developed for superior adhesion to glass. Its quality is comparable to high-quality automotive coatings. Its lifespan has been tested using accelerated life tests (PV1200, ISO6270-2, PV1503), and no delamination of the coating has been observed. Furthermore, our panels have been tested in outdoor test setups, and after more than seven years, no degradation has been observed.

No, the maintenance requirements are comparable to those of black panels. Cleaning the panels every 12 to 48 months can improve both yield and appearance. Almost all types of contamination are largely washed off the panels by rain.
Cleaning should only be done with demineralized water and a soft cloth. Never apply excessive force to the panels, as this will cause them to bend and permanently damage the solar cells.
If you have any questions or special local circumstances, please contact on with Soluxa.

Our partners Solinso and Solarti offer solar roof tiles with solar panels featuring our Vibrant color coating, which ensures an optimal color match between roofing and solar panels. See also the Projects page.

Yes, we have panels that match the color of thatch. Since thatch discolors, we recommend a gray shade.

Yes, solar roof tiles with Soluxa's terracotta color coating are available in various sizes in collaboration with Solarti and Solinso.

Yes, it is possible to receive samples of our different colours, please contact Contact us to for the possibilities.

Yes, that's possible. Our solar panels are already installed in many locations in the Netherlands. Take a look at our Projects page. Or take contact Contact us to discuss arranging a viewing near you. You are also always welcome to visit the Radboud University campus, where we have our research facilities and several demonstration setups. Soluxa solar panels can also be viewed at:

• the showroom of 100%Zonnig in Wijchen
• the Alius showroom in Eersel
• the showroom of Solar Bouwmarkt in Almere
• in a demonstration setup by Solinso in Kessel

Soluxa offers a 25-year warranty on the panel's functionality. Should a panel unexpectedly break, a replacement can be provided, or the panel's residual value can be reimbursed. Soluxa also offers a 5-year warranty on the color coating.

Solar panels on the facade generate up to €60/m² annually, depending on the color, orientation, electricity prices, and your own consumption. Installation is similar to that of standard facade cladding, except that a few plugs need to be connected. Therefore, the installation costs are comparable to those of standard facade cladding. However, because a solar facade generates valuable electricity, the facade pays for itself. This naturally makes the business case much better than that of standard facade cladding, which only costs money.

Yes, that is definitely possible.

Soluxa solar panels are suitable for replacing conventional facade cladding, which improves the energy performance (BREEAM and LEED) of buildings, reduces material use, and can also lead to cost savings. The material costs of solar panels are often lower than those of traditional facade cladding. Furthermore, the result is an energy-generating facade that pays for itself. Specifically, a solar facade offers the following benefits:

1. Since January 1, 2021, the BENG requirements have been mandatory for all new construction. These stipulate that a certain percentage (often 40%) of the building's energy consumption must be generated by the building itself from renewable sources. Because high-rise buildings often have limited roof space, while there is ample available facade surface, solar panels on the facade are an ideal solution.
2. In addition, facade solar panels primarily generate energy when demand is high: an east-facing facade in the morning, a west-facing facade in the afternoon and early evening, and a south-facing facade relatively heavily in winter. This means that facade solar panels contribute to a balanced power grid and reduce grid congestion. This broad generation profile makes it possible to meet a larger portion of the energy demand than would be possible with roof panels alone.

There are several methods for mounting Soluxa solar panels on a facade. The choice depends on the facade's construction and aesthetic preferences.

Concealed and integrated mounting. Concealed mounting is an option, where the fixings are completely hidden. For this purpose, Soluxa uses mounting systems from brands like Fischer, SFS, or K2 Systems.

On-facade mounting. With visible mounting, the mounting components remain partially visible. This system is often faster and more cost-effective to install. At Soluxa, we ensure that the visible mounting material is the same color as the solar panels. This creates a calm and cohesive look. For projects, we use, among other things, Aelex sliding profiles. deze website Extensive product information can be found here. Soluxa can also supply dummy panels in the same color as the solar panels, allowing you to complement the facade and create a cohesive appearance.

Yes, that's possible. With these on-facade systems (Building-Applied Photovoltaics), panels are mounted on an existing facade. This is an ideal solution for factories and distribution centers, for example. Due to the favorable generation profile, the electricity generated from facades can often be largely used for private consumption. In that case, the yield can be up to €60/m²/year. In many cases, the payback period will be less than 7 years. SDE++ subsidies are available for the electricity fed back into the grid; see the separate FAQ about this.
Various mounting systems are possible for facade panels; see the previous question.

Yes, with integrated facade systems (Building-Integrated Photovoltaics), the Soluxa colored solar panels function as a full-fledged facade cladding. During renovations, they can be used as a replacement for traditional facade cladding. This naturally offers a significant advantage for the business case.

Yes, a renovation is the ideal time to use solar panels as facade cladding because you have to choose a new type of facade cladding anyway.
It is also possible to leave the existing insulation material in place and install special screws (fasteners) through the insulation material into the wall. See, for example, this solution from K2 systems from 28:00.

The energy yield of facade solar panels depends on their orientation and color. For an average colored panel with a relative efficiency of 85% compared to a black panel, an indication of the yield is:

• • East: 110 – 130 kWh/m²/year
  • South: 155 – 180 kWh/m²/year
  • West: 105 – 120 kWh/m²/year
  • North: 40 – 45 kWh/m2/year

Yield may fluctuate due to annual variations in sunshine hours and environmental factors such as shade from a specific solar facade.

Due to fluctuating energy prices, the financial return varies. Facade solar panels primarily generate energy when demand, and therefore electricity prices, are high. Therefore, facade panels generate more per kWh of energy generated than rooftop solar panels. If you're technically savvy, you can make an indicative calculation yourself on the PV-GIS website.

The dimensions of Soluxa colored solar panels are approximately 1762 x 1134 x 30 mm.

Soluxa offers dummy panels with alternative shapes and sizes in the same color as the solar panel to complete the facade.

Yes, Soluxa offers information sessions and lunchtime lectures where we discuss in detail the possibilities of Soluxa colored solar panels within your renovation or new construction project. If you are interested, please contact us. by email contact us.

Soluxa offers single-color colored solar panels. By using different panel colors, you can create patterns such as gradients or mosaics. Line patterns can also be applied within the panel; inquire about the possibilities.

Soluxa's Vibrant color technology is highly flexible and can color a solar panel in any desired color. The coating is designed for an optimal balance between color brightness and the solar panel's efficiency. Generally, bright colors reflect more light and result in a slightly lower efficiency. Our experts can advise you on the balance between color and efficiency.

Colored solar panels can replace traditional facade cladding or be installed on existing facades. For more information, see the section " Solar panels as facade cladding’.

The energy yield of facade-mounted solar panels depends on their orientation and color. For a colored panel with a relative output of 80%, for example, the expected yield is:

• • East: 110 – 130 kWh/m²/year
  • South: 155 – 180 kWh/m²/year
  • West: 105 – 120 kWh/m²/year
  • North: 40 – 45 kWh/m2/year
  • This yield can fluctuate due to annual variations in sunshine hours and environmental factors such as shade on a specific solar facade. Fluctuating energy prices also affect the financial return. Facade solar panels generate energy primarily when demand, and therefore electricity prices, are high. Therefore, facade panels generate more per kWh of energy generated than rooftop solar panels.

Since 2023, private individuals are exempt from VAT on the purchase and installation of solar panels, provided they are installed on a house or outbuilding.
There are various subsidy options for businesses. For example, there's the SDE++ scheme for companies and non-profit organizations that want to generate renewable energy on a larger scale. You receive a minimum compensation for the electricity generated, reducing the impact of fluctuating electricity prices. This subsidy was recently introduced for solar panels on facades; for more information, see the https://www.rvo.nl/subsidies-financiering/sde.

In addition, there's the Energy Investment Deduction (EIA), which allows you to declare investments in sustainable energy as an additional deduction. Contact the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) for more information about the options. https://www.rvo.nl/milieu-en-energielijst-2025/zonnepanelen-voor-elektriciteitsopwekking-w

Soluxa's patented color technology is similar to the type of coating used in the modern automotive industry. These are weather-resistant and have a long lifespan.

Soluxa is based on AIKO full-black solar panels, which use n-type all-back-contact cells, which are extra resistant to microcracks and overheating. These cells are also used for the winning cars of the Solar Challenge.

AIKO solar panels are known for their Partial Shading Optimization. Traditional solar panels often have three bypass diodes; in this case, shading one cell leads to activation of a bypass diode and the failure of one-third of the cells.^e of the panel. Thanks to AIKO's special cell technology, the cells themselves function as a kind of bypass diode, and the bypass diodes are only activated when four cells are shaded, thus greatly limiting power loss in partial shade. See the https://aikosolar.com/nl/techbreakthroughs/high-return/ and this demonstration video for more information.

The colored Soluxa solar panels have an excellent temperature coefficient of only -0.26%/˚C, meaning that the output decreases by 0.26% for every degree the panel heats up (compared to 25˚C). Many other panels experience a faster decline in efficiency. See the https://aikosolar.com/nl/techbreakthroughs/high-return/ for more information.

The relative degradation of our solar panels is 1% in the first year, and less than 0.35%/year in subsequent years. This means that after 25 years in the field, the panel will still deliver >90% of its initial output.

The coating applied by Soluxa is extra matte. Because this coating is applied to the outside of the panel, it significantly reduces gloss compared to standard black panels. Gloss is expressed in gloss levels: The lower the value, the more matte the surface and the less glare is visible. Our panels have a gloss level between 5 and 10, while black panels average around 26. Thanks to this low value, Soluxa panels barely glare, even in direct sunlight.

Glare from solar panels can cause problems at airports or when poorly positioned panels on homes are obstructing the view. Soluxa offers a special, transparent coating that eliminates this glare and barely affects the panel's output. This coating can even be applied to existing panels, both small and large. Inquire about the possibilities.

A colored solar panel from Soluxa weighs 24 kg.

Our panels can be connected to both standard inverters and microinverters and optimizers. Soluxa recommends using an inverter sized for the power of the black base panels. Example: You ordered 10 terracotta solar panels of 380 Wp. Without a color coating, these panels produce 470 Wp, so we recommend a standard inverter of 4.7 kWp. For further questions, please contact us. contact with us.

The panels are delivered by truck on a pallet, maximum 20 panels per pallet.

If the panels are in stock, they are usually delivered within two weeks of order confirmation. For large orders, please contact us in advance. contact with us.

The Vibrant color coating is impact-resistant, but scratches may occur from sharp objects. The coating is similar to the coating used on cars. Therefore, we recommend handling the panels with care during transport, for example, by avoiding contact with sharp edges and surfaces and by avoiding rubbing against each other.

There is no minimum order for terracotta panels. For other colors, please contact with us.